Parent-perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems

Abstract Background: Many children and adolescents with impairing mental health disorders are not in contact with specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). In order to close the service gap, it is important to increase our knowledge of barriers to access. The aim of this study was to investigate parent perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems to identify potential areas for improvement of access to CAMHS. Method: In this cross-sectional observational study 244 parents of children and adolescents referred to outpatient psychiatric assessment were interviewed using the Children’s services interview regarding barriers to accessing child mental health services across healthcare, educational services and social services. Parent reported barriers were analyzed in relation to the child’s age, referral reason, symptom duration and impairment of the child. Results: The most commonly reported barriers were lack of information about were to seek help (60.3%), the perception that professionals did not listen (59.8%) and professionals refusing to initiate interventions or provide referral to services (53.7%). Lack of knowledge, stigmatization and unavailability of services were common themes across barriers to help-seeking. Long symptom duration and parent rated impairment was associated with increased risk of reporting several barriers to help-seeking. Conclusion: Parents seeking help for their child’s mental health encounter numerous barriers that could explain part of the treatment gap and long duration of mental health problems in children prior to referral to CAMHS.

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Parent-perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-66925/v4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Sofie Hansen ◽

Gry Kjaersdam Telléus ◽

Christina Mohr-Jensen ◽

Marlene Briciet Lauritsen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background Many children and adolescents with impairing mental health disorders are not in contact with specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). In order to close the service gap, it is important to increase our knowledge of barriers to access. The aim of this study was to investigate parent perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems to identify potential areas for improvement of access to CAMHS. Method In this cross-sectional observational study 244 parents of children and adolescents referred to outpatient psychiatric assessment were interviewed using the Children’s services interview regarding barriers to accessing child mental health services across healthcare, educational services and social services. Parent reported barriers were analyzed in relation to the child’s age, referral reason, symptom duration and impairment of the child. Results The most commonly reported barriers were lack of information about were to seek help (60.3%), the perception that professionals did not listen (59.8%) and professionals refusing to initiate interventions or provide referral to services (53.7%). Lack of knowledge, stigmatization and unavailability of services were common themes across barriers to help-seeking. Long symptom duration and parent rated impairment was associated with increased risk of reporting several barriers to help-seeking.Conclusion Parents seeking help for their child’s mental health encounter numerous barriers that could explain part of the treatment gap and long duration of mental health problems in children prior to referral to CAMHS.

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Parent-perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-66925/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Sofie Hansen ◽

Gry Kjaersdam Telléus ◽

Christina Mohr-Jensen ◽

Marlene Briciet Lauritsen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Many children and adolescents with impairing mental health disorders are not in contact with specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). In order to close the service gap, it is important to increase our knowledge of barriers to access. The aim of this study was to investigate parent perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems to identify potential areas for improvement of access to CAMHS. Method: In this cross-sectional observational study 244 parents of children and adolescents referred to outpatient psychiatric assessment were interviewed using the Children’s services interview regarding barriers to accessing child mental health services across healthcare, educational services and social services. Parent reported barriers were analyzed in relation to the child’s age, referral reason, symptom duration and impairment of the child. Results: The most commonly reported barriers were lack of information about were to seek help (60.3%), the perception that professionals did not listen (59.8%) and professionals refusing to initiate interventions or provide referral to services (53.7%). Lack of knowledge, stigmatization and unavailability of services were common themes across barriers to help-seeking. Long symptom duration and parent rated impairment was associated with increased risk of reporting several barriers to help-seeking. Conclusion: Parents seeking help for their child’s mental health encounter numerous barriers that could explain part of the treatment gap and long duration of mental health problems in children prior to referral to CAMHS.

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Parent-perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-66925/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Sofie Hansen ◽

Gry Kjaersdam Telléus ◽

Christina Mohr-Jensen ◽

Marlene Briciet Lauritsen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Many children and adolescents with impairing mental health disorders are not in contact with specialized child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). In order to close the service gap, it is important to increase our knowledge of barriers to access. The aim of this study was to investigate parent perceived barriers to accessing services for their child’s mental health problems to identify potential areas for improvement of access to CAMHS. Method: In this cross-sectional observational study 244 parents of children and adolescents referred to outpatient psychiatric assessment were interviewed using the Children’s services interview regarding barriers to accessing child mental health services across healthcare, educational services and social services. Parent reported barriers were analyzed in relation to the child’s age, referral reason, symptom duration and impairment of the child. Results: The most commonly reported barriers were lack of information about were to seek help (60.3%), the perception that professionals did not listen (59.8%) and professionals refusing to initiate interventions or provide referral to services (53.7%). Lack of knowledge, stigmatization and unavailability of services were common themes across barriers to help-seeking. Long symptom duration and parent rated impairment was associated with increased risk of reporting several barriers to help-seeking. Conclusion: Parents seeking help for their child’s mental health encounter numerous barriers that could explain part of the treatment gap and long duration of mental health problems in children prior to referral to CAMHS.

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PALOMA project – developing National mental health policies for refugees

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.02.292 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S337-S338

Author(s):

S. Jokela ◽

J. Mäki-Opas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Health Policies ◽

Increased Risk ◽

National Model ◽

National Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Policies

IntroductionEarlier researches have established that migrants with refugee background have increased risk for variety of mental health problems due to often traumatic reasons for leaving their home country, hazardous journey and post-migration adversity. The challenge is that mental health work with refugees is not systematically organized in Finland. PALOMA (developing National mental health policies for refugees 2016-2018) project was launched to answer these challenges. The project is carried out through the combined effort of National institute for health and welfare, The Finnish association for mental health, Helsinki and Kuopio university hospitals, and the municipality of Hämeenlinna. PALOMA Project is founded by the Asylum, migration and integration fund (AMIF).ObjectivesPALOMA project focuses on exploring existing good practices and weaknesses in mental health services in use for refugees. The objectives of the project are to develop a national model for effective mental health services for refugees and implement it nationwide in Finland.AimsThe aim of PALOMA Project is to develop a national model for effective mental health services for refugees in Finland.MethodsPALOMA Project includes three phases: data collection (interviews, literature review, seminars), building the model in expert groups and implementing the model.ResultsAs a result of PALOMA Project, there will be guidelines for professionals working in different levels of administration with refugees in Finland.ConclusionRefugees’ mental health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of better prevention, recognition and appropriate care of mental health problems.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Mental health help-seeking barriers, facilitators and interventions. A systematic review

10.21203/rs.2.15552/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Antonia Aguirre ◽

Ignacio Silva ◽

Jo Billings ◽

Magdalena Jimenez ◽

Sarah Rowe

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Theoretical Frameworks ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

General Mental Health

Abstract Background: Increasing rates of mental health problems among adolescents are alarming. Teens who are most in need of mental health attention are reluctant to seek help. A better understanding of the help-seeking in this population is crucial to overcome this gap. Methods: Five databases were searched to identify the principal barriers, facilitators and interventions targeting help-seeking for common mental health problems in adolescents aged 10-19 years. The search was performed in June 2018 and updated in March 2019. Two independent screening processes were made using the eligibility criteria. Quality assessment of each study was performed and findings summarised using a narrative synthesis. Results: 90 studies meet the inclusion criteria for this review for barrier and facilitators (n=54) and interventions (n=36). Stigma and negative beliefs towards mental health services and professionals were the most cited barriers. Facilitators included previous positive experience with health services and mental health literacy. Most interventions were based on psychoeducation, which focused on general mental health knowledge, suicide and self-harm, stigma and depression. Other types of interventions included the use of multimedia and online tools, peer training and outreach initiatives. Overall, the quality of studies was low to medium and there was no general agreement regarding help-seeking definition and measurements. Conclusion: Most of interventions took place in an educational setting however, it is important to consider adolescents outside the educational system. Encouraging help-seeking should come with the increased availability of mental health support for all adolescents in need, but this is still a major challenge for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. There is also a need to develop shared definitions, theoretical frameworks and higher methodological standards in research regarding help-seeking behaviours in adolescents. This will allow more consistency and generalisability of findings, improving the development of help-seeking interventions and ensuring timely access to mental health treatments.

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Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems and Substance Use Presentations to an Emergency Department

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.3109/10398562.2011.603329 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 19 (6) ◽

pp. 521-525 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Lisa Bell ◽

Robyn Stargatt ◽

Peter Bosanac ◽

David Castle ◽

George Braitberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Substance Misuse ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Prescription Medications ◽

Self Mutilation

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and referral pattern of children and adolescents with mental health problems, substance misuse and comorbidity presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a large public hospital. Method: A file audit of the ED information system was conducted over a 12 month period. Outcome measures included age, gender, diagnostic presentation, assessment, referral and disposal. Results: Forty-four substance misuse, 128 mental health and 82 comorbidity presentations were identified; 80% required treatment within 30 minutes. Few substance misuse cases were seen by mental health services and no substance misuse cases were referred for mental health service assessment. All mental health and comorbidity cases were seen by mental health services; 41% were referred to outpatient and 18% to inpatient services. Those with mental health problems displayed high levels of self-mutilation, and those with comorbidity displayed high levels of self-mutilation and substance misuse. Alcohol use was common in the substance misuse group, and over the counter or prescription medications were abused by the mental health and comorbidity groups. Conclusions: This age group places a high demand on the ED. All children and adolescents with recognized mental health symptoms were seen by mental health services, but those with substance misuse were not. Given the long-term problems associated with substance misuse, this is a missed opportunity for intervention.

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Help-Seeking Behaviors of Transition-Aged Youth for Mental Health Concerns: Qualitative Study

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/18514 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. e18514

Author(s):

Chelsea Stunden ◽

Julie Zasada ◽

Nicole VanHeerwaarden ◽

Elisa Hollenberg ◽

Alexxa Abi-Jaoudé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

Sources Of Support ◽

Mental Health Concerns

Background Transition-aged youth are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, yet they are one of the least likely demographic groups to seek help. Objective The aim of this study is to explore the influences on and patterns in help-seeking for mental health concerns among transition-aged youth who attend postsecondary schools in Canada. Methods A qualitative research design was used, involving 12 semistructured focus groups with transition-aged youth (17-29 years) who attended postsecondary schools in Canada. A thematic analysis was conducted to code the transcripts and develop themes. Results Four main themes and subthemes regarding the process and experience of help-seeking were generated: (1) the influence of formal service providers (accessibility and experiences), (2) the influence of social factors (system navigation and stigma), (3) the influence of health literacy (symptom recognition, acting on symptoms, digital tools and the internet, and mental health awareness campaigns), and (4) the influence of low-intensity sources of support, namely, self-help. Conclusions Transition-aged youth seek help for mental health problems in different ways. Despite efforts to improve access to mental health services, transition-aged youth continue to face barriers to accessing these services, especially formal sources of support. The factors identified in this study that either hinder or facilitate help-seeking have pragmatic implications for developing help-seeking interventions and delivering mental health services for this population. In addition to other facilitators, family physicians are an important resource in the help-seeking process. Furthermore, digital help-seeking tools have unique characteristics that may make them an important source of support for transition-aged youth.

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“It’s still taboo”: Help-seeking behaviors of transition-aged youth for mental health concerns – a qualitative study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18514 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chelsea Stunden ◽

Julie Zasada ◽

Nicole VanHeerwaarden ◽

Elisa Hollenberg ◽

Alexxa Abi-Jaoude ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Post Secondary ◽

Sources Of Support ◽

Mental Health Concerns

BACKGROUND Transition-aged youth are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, yet they are one of the least likely demographic groups to seek help. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore influences on and patterns in help-seeking for mental health concerns among transition-aged youth who attend post-secondary school in Canada. METHODS A qualitative research design was used, involving 12 semi-structured focus groups with transition-aged youth (17–29 years) attending Canadian post-secondary schools. Thematic analysis was conducted to code the transcripts and develop themes. RESULTS Four main themes and sub-themes regarding the process and experience of help-seeking were generated: (1) the influence of formal service providers (accessibility; experiences); (2) the influence of social factors (system navigation; stigma); (3) the influence of health literacy (symptom recognition; acting on symptoms; digital tools and the internet; mental health awareness campaigns); and (4) the influence of low-intensity sources of support, namely self-help. CONCLUSIONS Transition-aged youth seek help for mental health problems in different ways. Despite efforts to improve access to mental health services, transition-aged youth continue to face barriers to accessing these services, especially formal sources of support. Factors identified in this study that either hinder or facilitate help-seeking have pragmatic implications for developing help-seeking interventions and delivering mental health services for this population. In addition to other facilitators, family physicians are an important resource in the help-seeking process. Moreover, digital help-seeking tools have unique characteristics that may make these tools an important source of support for transition-aged youth. CLINICALTRIAL

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Stigma and Poor Mental Health Literacy As Barriers to Service Use Among Unemployed People With Mental Illness – A Qualitative Study

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1786 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S487-S487 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

T. Staiger ◽

T. Waldmann ◽

S. Krumm ◽

N. Rüsch

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Service Use ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Unemployed People

Introduction/objectivesMental health problems were shown by different studies to be both: results of and risk factors for unemployment. However, unemployed people with mental health problems often have difficulties in finding and using mental health services and therefore do not benefit from therapies. Because unemployed individuals outside the healthcare system are a hard-to-reach group, barriers to but also facilities for mental health services are poorly understood.AimsThe aim of the study is to identify barriers and facilitators of help seeking and service use, based on experiences of unemployed people with mental health strains.MethodsWe conducted 15 qualitative semi-structured interviews with unemployed individuals, facing self-reported mental health problems or mental illness. Topics included individual experiences with help-seeking and mental health service use, with a focus on barriers and facilitators. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and major themes were identified.ResultsPatients fear adverse reactions of psychiatric medication. They report to be treated as “different” by their social environment and health professionals, which leads to a lack of self-esteem and inhibits them in their help seeking efforts. Social support and desire for change on the other hand can be strong motivational factors in searching for help.ConclusionPerception of GPs towards mental health issues of their patients, and especially unemployed patients, has to be raised. Stigmatization of mental illnesses and help seeking should be reduced in practical context.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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